Lake Gordon & Lake Koon - Kayak Trip / Canoe Trip
Report Type: Destination Report
Nearest City: Cumberland, MD
Difficulty: Easy
Description:
This is your invitation to experience a day of recreational kayaking on Lake Koon and Lake Gordon - two of Pennsylvania's most pristine bodies of water. The sister lakes are owned by the Evitts Creek Water Company and were created to supply water to the city of Cumberland, Maryland.
It's only been in the last few years that non-powered and electric-powered boats have been allowed access to the lakes, adding to the recreational opportunities of both. We are fortunate these lakes are open for public recreation, since many water supply reservoirs in Pennsylvania are closed for boating and angler use.
Whether you live in south central Pennsylvania, or you're visiting the Bedford County area, paddlers will enjoy the majesty of the Appalachian mountain ridges that cradle Lakes Koon and Gordon. Both lakes are nestled in Pennsylvania's Ridge & Valley Appalachians, and are fed by Evitts Creek, a tributary stream of the North Branch Potomac River. Because the lakes are a municipal water supply, development of the surrounding area is restricted, and the scenic beauty has remained unspoiled. Picture-taking opportunities abound, so be sure to bring a camera!
- Lake Koon:
The northernmost of the two lakes, at normal levels the lake has a surface area of 268 acres, and its waters are contained by an impressive 92-foot dam (spanning 726 feet).
- Lake Gordon (pictured):
To the southwest, Lake Gordon is the smaller of the two sister lakes (141 acres at normal levels), but provides a high shoreline-to-water-surface ratio. Kayakers that explore Lake Gordon's northern tip are also rewarded by a dramatic view at the foot of the Lake Koon Dam.
Each lake has a state provided boat launch with ample parking.
Accommodations:
None
Fees:
Boat Launch permit or PA boat registration.
Directions:
From Cumberland, MD:
Take 220 North, crossing into Pennsylvania. After approx. 3.5 miles, take a right onto Lake Gordon Road (actually, the first public road on the right, since entering PA). In less than a mile you will see the southwestern leg of Lake Gordon. The boat launch for Lake Gordon is at this end of the lake. The ramp is on your left, and parking area (a large grassy field) is on the left side of the road. To reach lake Koon, continue driving Lake Gordon Road, and take a left (at the dam bridge) onto Evitts Creek Road. A few miles further, continue on Evitts Creek Road by staying to the right of a "Y" intersection. Within approx 1,000 fett the road turns right and you will begin passing over the Lake Koon Dam. Follow the road another two miles (more or less) until you see the boat launch and parking area on the left.
From Bedford, PA:
Take Rt 220 South approx 20 miles (passing through the town of Centreville after 16 miles). Take a left onto Lake Gordon Road.
There are additional back roadways to reach both lakes, but these main roads will be easiest for the first time visitor.
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